Lazio coach Stefano Pioli says he is "loving it" as he prepares for his first-ever cup final on Wednesday night.
The Biancolesti have the chance to crown Pioli's first season in charge by lifting the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico when they face Serie A champions and Champions League finalists Juventus. It would be the biggest success of Pioli's career, and he admitted on the eve of the game that he is bursting with excitement.
"Now we've got this far, I want to win it," he said. "It's my first final and I'm loving it. I'm proud to have coached such special lads. This is where I had hoped we would arrive from the first day I got to know my players.
"We have worked towards this objective. To be here, in this situation, is gratifying and stimulating. I've really got a taste for it, and now we want to win this final because we deserve it."
Lazio face the strongest side in Italy, who have once again affirmed their superiority by marching to the Serie A title with games to spare. They have also beaten Lazio home and away already this season -- scoring five without conceding -- but Pioli is convinced things are going to be different on Wednesday.
"What happened in the league doesn't even come into it," Pioli said. "This is another competition entirely. It's a final. We cannot think about our two previous meetings, from which we have certainly learnt our lesson.
"We need to be at our very best. We've got skill, strength and a great spirit. We know we have to put in an extraordinary effort -- more than usual -- but we are capable of doing it. We are ready for this final, and then to earn our place in the Champions League."